Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 44 - Big Chute Marine Railway — Attraction in District Municipality of Muskoka

Disappointed by Poor Line Management at Big Chute Marine Railway

While the Big Chute Marine Railway is an impressive and unique piece of engineering, our experience was unfortunately overshadowed by poor staff organization and a frustrating lack of fairness. We waited patiently in line like everyone else, only to witness a boat that had been at the back of the queue allowed to skip ahead of several others who had clearly been waiting longer.

The staff seemed unable—or unwilling—to properly prioritize boats based on arrival time, creating confusion and frustration among boaters. There was no clear communication or reasoning provided for the decision, which made the experience feel disorganized and unfair to those who followed the rules.

It’s disappointing that such a well-known attraction doesn’t have a more transparent or consistent system for managing wait times. A little structure and respect for the queue would go a long way in improving the experience...

Fascinating technology! This machine literally picks up boats and carries them in a sling down fifty plus feet of elevation to the lake below bypassing a waterfall. Credit to the engineers as it appears to work flawlessly and running since the late 1970's as well. Lots of informative placks and a small park are located on site with lots of FREE public parking. The giant boat lift moves surprisingly quick and is done in ten minutes or so! Great for boating convenience and for the public to watch. Great views and some stairs to keep in mind if mobility issues but a person could still watch without going...

Big chute is an incredible engineering marvel indeed. But surprisingly underrated in Muskoka's sights-to-see list! We totally enjoyed the sights that we decided to have a picnic lunch here. And as we learned from our trusted friend Romy who introduced as to this attraction, we are witnessing the last day of their operations for the 2020 season. We saw 2 boats come down from the upper harbour to the lower Six Mile channel. Traversing colourful White's Falls Road for the timely Fall Drive and coming to this place is truly an awesome experience. True to the motto, "Once Discovered, Never Forgotten", Muskoka, you...